Post 227 American Legion bids farewell to long time member Chris Eggen

Vice Commander Ray Coffey presents a Certificate Of Appreciation
to former Finance Officer Chris Eggen.

Roy Harrington, the chaplain of Post 227, was the featured speaker at the October 3rd meeting of the post. His topic was on connecting veterans with services available to them.

Harrington noted that prospective recruits are always given an examination to determine whether they are physically fit to serve in the military. However, they are not tested to see if they are mentally or emotionally fit. As a result, some of the people who enter the military prove to be unfit and receive other than honorable discharges.

The Viet Nam was added greatly to the number of other than honorable discharges. In previous wars, people in military service were honored by the people back home. In contrast, those who served in Viet Nam were often reviled, adding to their emotional distress.

In the past, those receiving other than honorable discharges were not eligible for veterans’ benefits. The rules have recently changed and Harrington has been able to help some veterans with other than honorable discharges to obtain some benefits. Harrington is constantly seeking out such veterans to help them obtain benefits.

He urged people in the audience to join him in this effort. Many of the homeless veterans in our community could potentially improve their situation by obtaining veterans benefits.

Post 227 member, Chris Eggen and his wife Donna, are moving to Gig Harbor. Post Vice Commander Ray Coffey presented Chris with a framed certificate for his services to the post. These services included serving as Finance Officer, as Adjutant, and for starting a website for the post. 

--Carroll Goering